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High-level team to probe murder

Bangalore: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa has constituted a high-level police team to investigate the murder of A.T. Babu, convenor of the State unit of the National Alliance of People’s Movements.

Earlier on Thursday, social activist Medha Patkar called on the Chief Minister and sought a thorough investigation of the murder.

In a suo motu statement in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the investigation team would be headed by Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) A.R. Infant and comprise, among others, Inspector-General of Police, Central Range, Kamalpanth, Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Gopal Hosur and Superintendent of Police, Bangalore District, B. Mahesh.

Mr. Yeddyurappa announced an ex gratia payment of Rs. 1 lakh to each of the two children of Babu. Two others, including a missionary, who were accompanying the social activist on a trip to Mandya when he was murdered, have been assured police protection.

Babu was waylaid and murdered on Monday when he was on way to Mandya to participate in an anti-liquor campaign. The murder took place near Ramanagara.

Condemned

The South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM) has condemned the murder of Babu. It has called for an impartial investigation and arrest of the culprits.

SICHREM has also urged the Government to provide protection to human rights activists.

In Kolar, scores of activists led by the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti took out a procession on Thursday demanding the arrest of those responsible for the murder.